Mammals Lead Keeper
Full time @Gulf Breeze Zoo Shortlist Email JobJob Detail
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Job ID 11596
Job Description
Position Summary
As Gulf Breeze Zoo continues to grow, we are expanding our Animal Care leadership team through a new departmental structure designed to provide greater support for our staff, animals, and conservation mission.
The Mammals Lead is responsible for the daily operation, supervision, and animal care standards of the Mammals Department, which includes a diverse collection of primates, carnivores, and select bird species. This position serves as the first-line supervisor for Animal Care Specialists assigned to the department while actively participating in daily husbandry, animal management, training, and enrichment.
Working closely with the Curator of Primates & In-Park Animals, the Mammals Lead ensures exceptional animal welfare, safe operations, professional staff development, and compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.
Essential Responsibilities
- Provide daily leadership and supervision for Animal Care Specialists assigned to the Mammals Department while fostering a positive, collaborative, and professional work environment.
- Oversee all aspects of daily husbandry, behavioral management, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, and welfare monitoring for the department’s animal collection, including primates, carnivores, and select bird species.
- Monitor animal health and behavior, maintain accurate records, assist veterinary staff with medical procedures and conditioning programs, and promptly communicate concerns to the Curator.
- Ensure compliance with Gulf Breeze Zoo policies, USDA regulations, ZAA accreditation standards, OSHA requirements, and established animal handling and safety protocols.
- Coordinate departmental supplies, equipment, maintenance requests, and operational needs.
- Serve as acting department supervisor in the Curator’s absence, participate in emergency response procedures, and lead by example through exceptional animal care, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
- Minimum of three years of professional zoological experience working with a diverse collection of mammals, including experience with primates and carnivores.
- Previous supervisory, leadership, or staff training experience preferred.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
To Apply
Please email your resume to:
Director, Hunter Hullett
hhullett@gulfbreezezoo.org